Professional Master of Health Science in Laboratory Medicine: Training Clinical Laboratory Scientists in an Integrated Program at a Research-Intensive University

Abstract

A 2-year professional master of health science program at the University of Toronto provides a unique integrated educational program to train allied health science personnel to practice as physician extenders and health care professionals in two high-demand clinical laboratory disciplines, Pathologists' Assistant (PA) and Clinical Embryologist (CE). This report describes an integrated graduate program developed and delivered in a research-intensive laboratory medicine department. The core courses in fundamental biomedical science and in general medical laboratory function and operations formed the foundation on which the requisite clinical skills required to practice as a PA or CE were subsequently delivered as comprehensive CE and PA specialty courses and practicums. Students acquired research skills through courses that teach research methods, critical analysis of research articles, and biostatistics for clinical research scientists. A capstone research project provided students the opportunity to design a research project relevant to the CE or PA fields, perform and analyze the findings, and present the project as an oral abstract and a written scientific article. Students learn to face the clinical challenges by focusing on critical analysis of evidence-based professional practice. The PA field received a 5-year accreditation. CE and PA students presented their clinical research at national and international meetings, with some receiving awards, and published scientific articles. All graduates found meaningful employment in their respective fields, and initial employer response has been favorable.